From downhill skiing to curling, figure skating and biathlon, here's an explainer of Olympic sports in photos. USA TODAY Sports and AP

Slopestyle: Competitors utilize the rails, boxes and jumps on the course to perform tricks. The best riders could try a triple cork (an off-axis triple flip). International Ski Federation and USA TODAY

Team figure skating: Ten teams of six skaters will compete. All teams perform one short program in men's, women's and pairs, and one short dance. U.S. Figure Skating and USA TODAY

By the numbers: Sochi is 9 hours ahead of the United State's East Coast. The average temperature in February is 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Twelve out of the 98 Olympic events are new this year. USA TODAY research; Photo: Getty Images

Biathletes go from standing to stil.. USA TODAY

How sweepers clear the way in curling. USA TODAY

Spikes are attached to the gloves with athletic tape to get the best possible fit and so the spikes don’t slide off the gloves. USA TODAY

Luge vs. skeleton: A tale of two sleds. USA TODAY

Taking a turn at short-track skating. USA TODAY

A look at some of the differences of the alpine skiing events. USA TODAY

Under Armour’s Mach 39 speed skating suit should help U.S. long-track skaters fly around the oval. The skin is made of five different man-made materials, and the fabric wicks away moisture. USA TODAY

Snowboarding halfpipe details. USA TODAY

NHL fans will notice some differences between pro and Olympic hockey. USA TODAY

Lauryn Williams spells out the similarities between track and bobsled. USA TODAY

Twizzles are tricky, but they should look effortless. USA TODAY

The triple Lutz-triple toe loop is a tough combination for skaters. USA TODAY